At first glance one would think that this is an unnecessary intrusion into a matter best left to the states. Who says we need this federal regulation? Why no other than a confederation of beer and wine wholesalers. As various states have allowed their citizens to import wine from other states (either direct from the winery or through an internet-based retailer), wholesalers have been cut out of an increasing share of the trade. Of course this is not what they argue, instead the bill's supporters say they are trying to better protect minors from alcoholic beverages.

And who says bipartisanship is dead in D.C.? There are 150 co-sponsors of the House bill, with both parties well represented. Accepting campaign contributions from the wholesalers is an issue many House members can agree on.

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Steve Allen is Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research in the College of Management at NC State University. He has appointments in the Department of Economics as well as the Department of Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Steve also is a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research, a non-profit research organization located in Cambridge, Mass.